Methods and apparatus for providing selective access to wireless network resources using detailed information

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for providing enhanced access options for wireless access points (e.g., cellular femtocells). These access options in one embodiment include various grades or levels of private and public access to available femtocell services. Each service may be separately assigned a various access type, such that a femtocell may service multiple users both within the “closed” group authorized by the femtocell white list, and non-members. In one variant, a femtocell broadcasts enhanced system information to all terminals (regardless of member/non-member status) such that a non-CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) member terminal or UE is capable of obtaining partial service access within the femtocell. Broadcast multimedia or other services can be delivered to both CSG members and non-members, advantageously without having to establish a dedicated connection for the non-member users.

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of wirelesscommunication and networks. More particularly, in one exemplary aspect,the present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for providingvarious levels of access to a femtocell or other network resourceoperating within a public network.

2. Description of Related Technology

The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is an exemplaryimplementation of a “third-generation” or “3G” cellular telephonetechnology. The UMTS standard is specified by a collaborative bodyreferred to as the 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The3GPP has adopted UMTS as a 3G cellular radio system targeted for interalia European markets, in response to requirements set forth by theInternational Telecommunications Union (ITU). The ITU standardizes andregulates international radio and telecommunications.

A current topic in the 3GPP standardization committees is the furtherdevelopment of 3G UMTS towards a mobile radio communication systemoptimized for packet data transmission by improving both system capacityand spectral efficiency. In 3GPP, the activities in this regard aresummarized under the general term LTE (Long Term Evolution). The aim forthis future technology is, among others, to significantly increase themaximum net transmission rate, namely to 100 Mbps in the downlinktransmission direction (base station to cellular phone) and to 50 Mbpsin the uplink transmission direction (cellular phone to base station).Various techniques have been specified to improve transmission via theair interface.

Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) is one such technique proposed forLTE. MIMO is an antenna technology in which up to four (4) antennas (themaximum number of antennas specified for LTE) are used at both the basestation and user terminal. MIMO supports multiple independent datastreams transmitting in parallel using the same time-frequencyresources. Spatial division multiplexing is applied to distinguish thedata streams at the receiver (e.g. each path traverses a different path,and is susceptible to different channel effects).

Another technology utilized in UMTS (and most likely in future versionsof LTE) is Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS). While MBMS isgenerally considered a downlink only service (akin to digitaltelevision), the MBMS infrastructure does enable uplink channels forinteraction between the service provider and subscriber/user. Logically,MBMS uses multicast distribution in the Core Network (instead ofpoint-to-point links for each end device), to efficiently distributedata. Multicast and broadcast distribution technologies mayadvantageously reuse radio resources (e.g. time slots, frequency bands,etc.), and Radio Resource Connections (RRC) to service multiple users.MBMS technology is described in greater detail subsequently herein.

In addition to radio technology research related to increasing capacityand bandwidth, 3GPP has also promoted the development of so-called“femtocell” technology. The cost of purchasing fixed base stations (BS,also known as “macrocells”) and their associated maintenance in awireless network is comparatively high. Femtocells, on the other hand,are smaller more inexpensive cellular base stations purchased by a home,small office, or other premises user. Network providers may evensubsidize the cost of a femtocell to such users, thereby making themmore attractive to the user from a financial perspective.

A femtocell augments the service provider's existing network of basestations by connecting to the service provider's network via a broadbandinterface (such as DSL, T1, ISDN, or DOCSIS cable modem). Due to thesmaller size and lower cost of a femtocell, they can be utilized inareas which are otherwise not feasibly serviced through standard basestation deployments (e.g., by extension of indoor service coverage, ortemporary service coverage). They also may be somewhat portable innature, and accordingly be repositioned when desired with fairly minimaleffort. Various aspects of femtocells are described in greater detailsubsequently herein.

Currently, the standardization body for mobile communication (3GPP) isspecifying a new network femtocell element known as “Home Node B” (HNB).A Home Base Station (or Home NodeB, or Home eNodeB in 3GPP terminology)is a femtocell optimized for use in residential, corporate, or similarenvironments (e.g., private homes, public restaurants, small offices,enterprises, hospitals, etc., and hence the term “home” is not meant tobe limiting to residential applications). In the present context, theterms “Home Base Station”, “Home NodeB” (for UMTS), “Home eNodeB” (forLTE), and “femtocell” refer to the same logical entity, and are usedinterchangeably unless otherwise noted.

The 3GPP is currently researching possible solutions for supporting thedeployment of HNBs for the following radio access technologies: 3G UMTS(UMTS solutions are based on CDMA and referred to as UMTS TerrestrialRadio Access (UTRA) in 3GPP terminology), and 3.9G LTE (Long TermEvolution solutions are referred to as Evolved-UTRA (E-UTRA) in 3GPPterminology).

In one exemplary usage case, a user of a mobile phone or other UserEquipment (UE) might wish to augment their wireless coverage bydeploying a HNB in their premises (e.g., apartment). In one scenario,the user employs a DSL or other such connection to connect the HNB tothe operator's Core Network. The usage is beneficial for both operatorand user; from the customer's perspective, HNBs offer the seamlessoperation of a single mobile handset with a built-in personal phonebookfor all calls, whether at home or elsewhere. The user maintains only onecontract and one bill with the service provider. The user also benefitsfrom the improved indoor network coverage, as well as increased trafficthroughput capabilities.

Furthermore, the user's mobile phone will have a longer standby batterylife when the phone is used indigenously; power consumption can bereduced due to the improved radio link quality (i.e. improved Signal toNoise Ratio (SNR)) which can be expected to be better than that of thelink between the handset and legacy ‘NodeB’ located farther (e.g., a fewhundred meters or more) away.

The network operator also obtains additional network coverage area (see,e.g., 3GPP TR 25.820, “3G Home Node B Study Item Technical Report” v100(Release 8), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

Finally, both the home user and the network operator can fully utilizecellular equipment technology improvements, independent of the largernetwork capabilities and requirements for infrastructure upgrade.

The simplicity of HNB operation for the home user creates some uniquechallenges for network operators. Prior to the deployment of femtocells,base station networks were planned and controlled entirely by thenetwork operator. Network access functions such as security andauthorization were easily controlled by a network operator through basestation fixtures. However, the “randomized user distribution” of HNBssignificantly complicates fixed base station network operations.

The “Closed Subscriber Group” (CSG) capability is one specific exampleof the new complexities introduced by HNB operation within existing UMTScellular networks. Usually access to a HNB will be allowed for a closeduser group; e.g., service offerings of a particular cell may berestricted to employees of a certain company, members of a given family,etc. The general concept of restricting service offerings of femtocells(and base stations) is termed Closed Subscriber Group Cells (CSG Cells)in the context of the 3GPP Standards. CSG technology is described ingreater detail subsequently herein.

Closed Subscriber Groups are often a necessity to provide sufficientincentive home/small business users to at least partially subsidize thecost of new technologies, e.g. deployments of HNBs, etc. That is, aprospective HNB user will want “user exclusivity” in exchange for theirfinancial and/or other contributions to setting up and operating theHNB. However, currently proposed implementations of CSG Cells in certaincircumstances are overly restrictive, and may prove detrimental tooverall network resources, especially with certain types of multimediaservices, and/or service capabilities. For example, a UE denied HNBaccess to the desired (e.g., MBMS) service would then require allocationof network resources that would not otherwise have to be allocated wereaccess to the HNB made less restrictive.

Therefore, greater flexibility in access control for use withheterogeneous access networks (e.g., having both public or “open”, andprivate or “closed” group access) is desirable for public cellularnetworks (e.g., UMTS/LTE) and femtocells (e.g., HNBs/eHNBs). Prior artsolutions for cellular networks are not adequate when applied to theoperation of closed cell groups within the network. Some solutions whichhave been implemented for other communications networks use localizedmethods for authentication and authorization; this may be undesirablefor cellular network providers, which prefer to maintain a single globallogical entity for such procedures. Furthermore, other solutions haverequired additional software or hardware (such as specialized identitiesor priority classes), which are also not desirable for femtocell usage,as they require interaction with the public network resources (such asto authorize validity of the user), in addition to private networkresources (e.g., to evaluate the specialized identities/priority),thereby making the process unduly complex and burdensome.

Hence, improved solutions are needed to provide sufficient accesscontrol solutions for use within heterogeneous access networks, whilestill maintaining the benefits of exclusivity offered by CSG cellcapabilities and leveraging femtocell flexibility. Such improvedsolutions would ideally operate within existing cellular networkswithout requiring significant software or hardware changes, and remaincompatible with existing network infrastructure and currently serviceduser equipment (UE); i.e., “backwards compatibility”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention satisfies the foregoing needs by providing, interalia, methods and apparatus for providing various levels of access to afemtocell or other network resource operating within a public network.

In a first aspect of the invention, a method of receiving data from afirst base station at a mobile terminal is disclosed. In one embodiment,the method includes: placing the terminal within coverage of the firstbase station and of a second base station; receiving at least onebroadcast service without establishment of a radio resource connectionto the first base station; and utilizing the second base station for allother telecommunication services that may require a radio resourceconnection.

In one variant, the radio resource connection is an RRC connection, andthe services that may require an RRC connection are services thatrequire an RRC Connected Mode.

In another variant, the mobile terminal maintains an RRC connection tothe second base station while at the same time receiving the broadcastservice via the first base station without any RRC connection.

In a further variant, the first base station includes a femtocell, andis configured with access restrictions. The second base station includesfor instance a macro cell.

In another variant, the method includes receiving at the mobile terminalinformation about the availability of broadcast services via the firstbase station.

In yet another variant, the mobile terminal performs at least one of:(i) submitting a service request to the second base station, the requestpertaining to the consumption of broadcast data; and (ii) receiving areferral from the second base station to the first base station for thepurpose of receiving the requested broadcast services.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method of broadcasting data via afirst base station to a mobile terminal is disclosed. In one embodiment,the mobile terminal is within the overlapping coverage area of a firstbase station and a second base station, and the method includes:broadcasting the data from the first base station; transmitting one ormore information elements from the first or second base station to themobile terminal; causing the mobile terminal to receive the broadcasteddata responsive to receipt of the one or more information elements; andcontemporaneously therewith, maintaining a communication link betweenthe mobile terminal and the second base station.

In one variant, the mobile terminal is sent the broadcasted data fromthe first base station without a Radio Resource Control (RRC)connection.

In another variant, the first base station includes a femtocell, andsupports Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) limitations. The second basestation includes for instance a macrocell.

In a further variant, the method also includes receiving a servicerequest from the mobile terminal at the second base station; andreferring the mobile terminal to the broadcast data transmitted by thefirst base station.

In a third aspect of the invention, a method of operating a closed groupasset of a wireless network so as to provide one or more services tousers which are not part of the closed group is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the method includes: classifying the one or more servicesaccording to a classification scheme; providing one of the one or moreservices to at least one user terminal which is not associated with amember of the closed group; and serving or not serving the classifiedone or more services to the user based at least in part on theclassification scheme.

In one variant, the closed group asset includes an HNB, and the networkincludes an UMTS-compliant network.

In one variant, the closed group asset includes an HeNB, and the networkincludes an LTE-compliant network.

In another variant, the classification scheme includes a scheme havingat least private and partial public access levels, and serving or notserving includes serving when the classified one or more servicescomprise services classified according to the partial public accesslevel.

In a further variant, serving includes providing the classified one ormore services without establishing a new resource connection to supportthe classified one or more services. Alternatively, serving includesproviding access to an existing Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service(MBMS) compliant broadcast to at least the user terminal (includinge.g., instantiating a new Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS)compliant broadcast and providing access thereto to at least the userterminal).

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of providing informationregarding one or more services available via a closed-group wirelessnetwork resource is disclosed. In one embodiment, the users are not partof the closed group, and the method includes broadcasting ormulticasting the information to the user which are not part of theclosed group, as well as users that are part of the closed group. Theinformation includes information relating to which of the services maybe available via the network resource to the users which are not part ofthe closed group.

In one variant, the method further includes delivering at least one ofthe services that are available via the network resource to at least oneof the users which are not part of the closed group.

In another variant, the act of delivering includes delivering withoutestablishing a new connection to support the delivery, and the networkresource includes a femtocell in communication with a parent cellularnetwork. Delivery without establishing a new connection includes forexample delivering without establishing an RRC (Radio Resource Control)layer connection.

In a further variant, the broadcasting or multicasting of theinformation relating to which of the services may be available via thenetwork resource to the users which are not part of the closed groupincludes broadcasting or multicasting a listing of available servicesusing at least an extant system information (SI) message.

Alternatively, the multicasting of the information relating to which ofthe services may be available via the network resource to the userswhich are not part of the closed group includes multicasting informationindicating whether the network resource is partially open to the userswhich are not part of the closed group; a listing of service typesoffered for the users which are not part of the closed group; orinformation about one or more schedules regarding the partial openaccess for the users which are not part of the closed group.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of operating a closed groupasset of a wireless network so as to provide one or more services tousers which are not part of the closed group. In one embodiment, theoperation of the asset has minimal impact on the resources of thewireless network, and the method includes: identifying one of the one ormore services to be provided to a user terminal which is not associatedwith a member of the closed group; and delivering the identified one ormore services to the user without establishing a dedicated connection tothe user to support the delivery.

In one variant, the asset includes a femtocell in communication with aparent LTE-enabled cellular network, and delivery without establishing adedicated connection includes delivery without establishing an RRC(Radio Resource Control) layer connection. The delivery of servicesincludes e.g., providing access via the femtocell to an existingMultimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) broadcast to at least theuser.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, a method of providing at leastpartial public access to a private access network operating within apublic network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes:providing one or more services, wherein the services are categorizedinto access groups, the access groups comprising: (i) a private accessgroup, and (ii) a group that provides at least partial public access;broadcasting information that identifies one or more services and itscorresponding access group; identifying one or more of the providedservices from a terminal; classifying the terminal as either a memberterminal or a non-member terminal; and selectively serving theidentified one or more services corresponding to the terminalclassification.

In one variant, the non-member terminals are served only those servicesbelonging to the group that provides at least partial public access. Theserving of services to the non-member terminals is performed without adedicated connection, thereby consuming no significant additionalresources of the public network.

In another variant, the groups include (i) a private access group, (ii)a partial public access group, and (iii) a public access group; and thenon-member terminals are served only those services belonging to thepartial public access group and/or the public access group.

In a seventh aspect of the invention, a method of optimizing resourceallocation within a public cellular network is disclosed. In oneembodiment, quality of service (QoS) is optimized within a privatecellular network having a femtocell and a private group approved foraccess to the femtocell, and the method includes selectively providingat least partial access to the femtocell to users who are not part ofthe private group but which are proximate to the femtocell. Suchselective provision includes using an existing connection resource usedby the femtocell to access the public network. The selective provisionof at least partial access improves at least one aspect of servicequality for the users over that if the at least partial access was notprovided. Also, using an existing connection resource optimizes resourceallocation by obviating a requirement for a dedicated connection tosupport the selective provision.

For instance, the at least one aspect of service quality may includecellular device battery duration, or wireless link quality.

In an eighth aspect of the invention, a closed-group femtocellconfigured to interoperate with a wireless network so as to provide oneor more services to users which are not part of the closed group isdisclosed. The apparatus includes: at least one wireless transceiver,with the at least one wireless transceiver being configured tocommunicate with at least one of the users to: (i) transmit to the atleast one user information relating to services which may be availableto the at least one user via the femtocell; and (ii) identify one of theone or more services to be provided to a user terminal which is notassociated with a member of the closed group. A processor is in datacommunication with the at least one transceiver; and a storage device isin data communication with the processor, the storage device comprisingat least one computer program which, when executed on the processor:determines a classification of the one identified service, theclassification being part of a multi-class classification scheme; andserves or does not serve the one identified services to the requestinguser based at least in part on the determined classification.

In a ninth aspect of the invention, a cellular apparatus capable ofoperating within a private access network that is in communication witha public cellular network, the private access network offering at leastpartial public access and private access network operation. In onevariant, the apparatus includes a mobile terminal or UE (e.g., cellulartelephone or “smartphone”).

In a tenth aspect of the invention, a computer-readable apparatuscomprising a storage medium is disclosed. In one embodiment, the storagemedium stores one or more computer programs which, when executed on ahost device, implement the various methods and functions describedherein.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will immediatelybe recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference tothe attached drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodimentsas given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of a typical wireless system havingat least one fixed base station (macrocell) and at least one femtocell,in which the methods and apparatus of the present invention may beemployed.

FIG. 2A is a logical flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of thegeneralized method of providing services having various access levelsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a logical flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of themethod of reception of services having various access levels associatedtherewith according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a wirelessnetwork access device (e.g., cellular femtocell) according to theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a wireless useror client device (e.g., UE) according to the invention.

FIG. 5A is a graphical illustration of one embodiment of a deploymentscenario for Home eNodeBs (HeNBs) within an LTE (Long Term Evolution)network, according to the invention.

FIG. 5B is a graphical illustration of general 3GPP Network Architecturewith three different Radio Access Networks (RANs) that may be usedconsistent with the invention.

FIG. 5C is a graphical illustration of an exemplary E-UTRAN architecturecomprising three eNodeBs, useful with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of one embodiment of an LTEprotocol stack (including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer) usefulwith the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of one embodiment of a SystemInformation parameter update process and timing (via the BroadcastControl Channel (BCCH)) according to the invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates one exemplary message format (i.e., SystemInformation Block (SIB) Type 1) useful in implementing the presentinvention.

FIG. 8B illustrates another exemplary message format (i.e., SIB Type X)useful in implementing the present invention.

9A is a graphical “ladder” representation of an exemplary messageexchange between various nodes and UEs of a wireless network, accordingone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9B is a graphical “ladder” representation of an exemplary messageexchange between various nodes and UEs of a wireless network, wherein a“master” NodeB controls the service provision.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

Overview

The present invention discloses, inter alia, methods and apparatus thatfacilitate a wider range of wireless femtocell access options than thosepresently available. These access options in one embodiment includevarious grades or levels of private and public access to availablefemtocell services. Specifically, methods and apparatus are disclosedfor use with wireless (e.g., cellular) femtocells that integrate withexisting cellular networks in order to enable one or more service accesstypes including: (i) private access, (ii) public access, and (iii) oneor more levels of partial public access. Furthermore, each service maybe separately assessed and assigned a various access type, such that afemtocell may service multiple users with multiple varying accesslevels. In one embodiment, a femtocell broadcasts enhanced systeminformation to all terminals (irrespective of member/non-member status)such that a non-CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) member UE is capable ofreceiving partial service access within a CSG cell. In the context of anLTE network, modifications to the extant System Information (SI)protocol advantageously enable a plurality of different access options.For CSG Cells, the modifications can include an indication that the CSGCell is partially open for limited or non-member UEs. Such an indicationmay additionally comprise a listing as to which service types areoffered for such limited or non-member UEs via the CSG Cell. Othervariants include a complete enumeration of the services which areoffered for member, limited member, and non-member UEs via the CSG Cell,and resources for which the services are being offered.

Such detailed information may also encapsulate additional parametersnecessary for “RRC-connection-less” reception, and may includerestrictions (e.g., validity) regarding the partial open access fornon-member UEs. Such validity limitations may include maximum servicetime limits (e.g. preview period), service expiration information (e.g.valid until time), etc.

In another salient aspect of the invention, a femtocell servicing“partial” public access may allocate at least a subset of its capabilityso as to offer service to all terminals regardless of their membershipstatus. Such provisioning may require minor changes to signaling andcontrol protocols; these changes are identified to the user terminal ifnecessary. As described herein, connection-less services which arepartially open for access are provisioned for all terminals regardlessof membership. In one embodiment, a HNB providing Multimedia BroadcastMulticast Service (MBMS) to a first member UE, changes the MBMS accesstype to partial public access. The new access classification of the MBMSservice published via the HNB's System Information Broadcast (SIB),provides the MBMS broadcast to all UEs in that cell. Other UEs mayconsume this service offering in the coverage of the HNB withoutestablishing a RRC connection (to the HNB). Furthermore, the other UEsmay maintain their current RRC state in their respective servingmacrocells.

In one embodiment, a user terminal capable of receiving partial publicaccess allocates at least a subset of its resources to consume suchservices when desired. For example, a non-member UE decodes detailedsystem information identifying media content of a nearby CSG Cell, whichis being transmitted as open for “partial public access”. The non-memberUE then opts to “tune in” to a previously provided Multimedia BroadcastMulticast Service (MBMS) already being broadcast to member UE(s) withoutrequiring a separate RRC connection.

Furthermore, if an additional RRC connection is required, the non-memberUE may opt to establish a separate RRC connection to an allowed cell.Thus, the non-member UE supports a RRC connection from an allowed cell,while simultaneously receiving a media stream from a CSG cell.

Alternatively, a femtocell servicing partially public access andallowing limited connection capabilities may allocate at least a subsetof its capability so as to offer service to all terminals regardless oftheir membership status. An HNB may for example provide automateddelivery of multimedia-enabled advertisements (such as an automatedadvertisements, or video broadcast) to any requesting UE.

Various embodiments of the disclosed invention also allow for controlover access levels and assignment of communication linkages by either orboth of the femtocell operator and the network operator. Such “shared”access control may be static or dynamic. The femtocell operator maychoose to assign various access levels to various services forcommercial exploitation, such as where users within a closed group areallowed access to specific upgraded services, whereas users within thepartial public group may be allotted simple services, or even a uniformsimple “advertisement” type broadcast. The network operator may chooseto assign various access levels to various forms of service for networkoptimization reasons.

The improved solutions disclosed herein advantageously allow more access“granularity” (i.e., ability to tailor access options or levels on aper-HNB basis) than private and public access. Ideally, access levelscan be based on or tailored to a variety of criteria for each servicetype. Providing the femtocell operator with the capability to servicenon-CSG members using ostensibly closed femtocell resources, improvesthe perceived coverage and corresponding value of a cellular phone, aswell as provide additional incentive for the femtocell operator toinvest in or deploy femtocells.

Various embodiments of the invention also allow the network operator tocontrol access of media for classes of users, transparent to thefemtocell operator, so as to optimize overall network efficiency. Such“dual” managed access control, wherein control is shared by both thefemtocell operator and the network operator, significantly increases thedesirability of widespread femtocell deployment for the networkoperator.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 9B, exemplary embodiments of theapparatus and methods of the present invention are described in detail.

In the embodiments described herein, a cellular network supportingfemtocells is considered. However, it will be recognized that themethods and apparatus of the invention can be easily adapted to anyRadio Access Technologies (RATs), including for example and withoutlimitation, an LTE system (E-UTRAN) supporting HeNBs (see detaileddiscussion provided herein with respect to FIGS. 5A-9B), and anycombination of predecessors such as UMTS (UTRAN) and GSM (GERAN).

Moreover, while discussed primarily in the context ofbroadcast/multicast based services (e.g., Multimedia Broadcast MulticastServices (MBMS)), it will be recognized that other data services may beoffered without departing from the principles of the invention describedherein. For example, Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) is another example ofa RRC-connection-less service. CBS is a Short Message Service (SMS)broadcast to all UEs in a cell.

Additionally, while the concepts discussed herein are shown primarilywith respect to femtocells, it is anticipated that similar measures maybe performed for “standard” (e.g., fixed macrocell) base stations, inthat such base stations can also operate as Closed Subscriber GroupCells in certain situations.

Complementary Technologies—

Various technologies useful in implementing the exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention are now described in greater detail, includingMBMS, Femtocells, Radio Resource Control (RRC), and Closed SubscriberGroups.

MBMS—

As used herein, the term “MBMS” refers without limitation to methods,apparatus and services compliant with one or more of the following, eachincorporated herein by reference in its entirety: 3GPP TS 22.146entitled “Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS); Stage 1(Release 8)”; 3GPP TS 23.246 entitled “Multimedia Broadcast/MulticastService (MBMS); Architecture and functional description (Release 8)”;3GPP TS 25.346 entitled “Introduction of the MultimediaBroadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) in the Radio Access Network (RAN);Stage 2 (Release 8)”; 3GPP TS 25.992 entitled “Multimedia BroadcastMulticast Service (MBMS); UTRAN/GERAN Requirements” V 7.0.0; 3GPP TS43.246 entitled “Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) in theGERAN; Stage 2” (Release 8); 3GPP TR 25.803 entitled “S-CCPCHperformance for Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) (Release6)”; 3GPP TS 22.246 entitled “Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service(MBMS) user services; Stage 1 (Release 8)”; 3GPP TS 26.346 entitled“Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) (Release 8); Protocolsand codecs”; 3GPP TR 26.946 entitled “Multimedia Broadcast/MulticastService (MBMS) user service guidelines (Release 8)”; 3GPP TS 33.246entitled “3G Security, Security of Multimedia Broadcast/MulticastService. (MBMS) (Release 8)”; and 3GPP TS 32.273 entitled“Telecommunication management; Charging management; Multimedia Broadcastand Multicast Service (MBMS) charging (Release 8).”

MBMS utilizes the so-called “Fountain code” based forward errorcorrection codes designed specifically for erasure type radio channels.Fountain codes are unique from other Forward Error Correction schemes(e.g., turbo codes, Viterbi, Reed-Solomon, etc.), in that they do notrequire any specific packet order, nor specify any fixed decodinglength. Instead, each received packet cumulatively adds to the decoder'sprobability of successful decoding. Thus, a receiver receives only asmany packets as it requires to decode the message (akin to drinking froma fountain, where each drop fills a cup). MBMS leverages Fountain codecapabilities, to enable multiple receivers of the same media. Eventhough each receiver receives different packets, they may each consumethe same broadcasted media stream without undue additional networkburden. MBMS specific Radio Resource Control (RRC) connections may beused to initialize Fountain code based receivers; however no RRCconnection is required for MBMS reception. Thus, a MBMS media stream canbe received by any number of recipients.

MBMS is proposed for existing GSM and UMTS cellular networks. MBMS isscheduled to be introduced in some cellular networks during 2008 or2009, giving the opportunity to broadcast TV, film, information andother media in those networks. MBMS allows the network operator to reuseexisting network infrastructure. The “recycling” or reuse of currentnetwork resources is much more cost effective than purchasing newnetwork infrastructure for comparable services. Additionally,broadcast-type techniques can service a near unlimited number of userswith constant network load (e.g., similar to television broadcasts).Currently plans exist to introduce MBMS also into the 3GPP LTE family ofstandards for releases higher than 3GPP Rel-8.

Femtocells—

Femtocells are far cheaper to manufacture than a standard base station,and possess simpler software. Femtocells may not be fully featured ascompared to their macrocell counterparts, and generally cannot supportthe same number of users as a typical macrocell base station. However,femtocells are designed for self-contained deployment. The relative costand simplicity of operation allows a non-technical audience (i.e.,residential, enterprise, or other such users) to purchase and operatefemtocells. The benefits of femtocell deployment are shared between theuser and the network. For a user, as mentioned above, the femtocelloffers an inexpensive and easy method to improve network coverage.

Another distinct advantage of femtocells over other user managed ad hocnetworks is their seamless integration with current network (macrocell)base stations, as opposed to the expensive hardware and software costsnecessary for multi-mode capable transceivers. Lastly, the lowmanufacturing and deployment cost of femtocells allows femtocells tolead “fixed” network base stations in cutting edge technologyintroduction, since inter alia (i) their design cycles are shorter, and(ii) they do not require significant or network-wide infrastructureupgrades which can dramatically increase latency. Ideally, femtocellsmay allow a home, business, or other user the ability to fully utilizetheir cellular equipment to its maximum capability, even whenneighboring “fixed” network base stations cannot support such features.

In many regards, femtocell access control is virtually identical topre-existing base station access control methods. Femtocell use caseshowever, are significantly more flexible and wider ranging.

Radio Resource Control—

Radio Resource Control (RRC) is handled between two complimentarylogical entities (located within a UE, and a macrocell or femtocell).The RRC state machine has two states: RRC_CONNECTED, and RRC_IDLE.During RRC_CONNECTED the UE has a RRC connection with the cell. DuringRRC_IDLE, the complimentary entities are not connected. Generally onlyone RRC connection can exist at any time between the UE and themacrocell or femtocell entities (i.e., the RRC layer “peers” do notmaintain multiple RRC connections).

While the UE is in RRC_IDLE, the base station does not communicatedirectly with the UE. The UE may still actively receive information fromthe base station while in RRC_IDLE. For example, the UE may periodicallymonitor system information, or other broadcast downlink channels (suchas paging channels, broadcast control channels, etc.). Some transporttechnologies, such as MBMS, do not require RRC connections for datadelivery.

In order to communicate with a base station, the UE must establish anRRC connection to the base station. Once a RRC connection isestablished, the UE and base station can engage in a two-way dialog.Thus, in the RRC_CONNECTED state, a UE may request services, performlocation area updates or send data. The existence of the RRC connectionis independent of the data being transferred, e.g. telephony and dataservices do not have different RRC connections.

As noted above, certain services can be received in either RRC_IDLE, orRRC_CONNECTED states. For example, a RRC connection is not required forMBMS reception, because the MBMS service may be broadcast in the cellwithout any feedback from recipient UEs. In fact, a RRC connection isonly required for reception of MBMS if another service requiring a RRCconnection is used in parallel; e.g., a voice call or regular locationarea updates. In another such example, a RRC connection is not requiredfor Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) reception. CBS is a one-to-many ShortMessage Service (SMS) supported within GSM, and UMTS. CBS may be usedfor nationwide or citywide alerting, weather reports, mass messaging,location based news, etc.

Closed Subscriber Groups (CSG)—

A CSG Cell provides its CSG Identity to requesting UEs. A CSG-enabled UEmaintains a CSG “white list”; the CSG white list may also be stored inan associated smart card or other such mechanism. This white listidentifies the cells which are accessible to the UE. The structure of acell's CSG Identity may comprise several parts, including but notlimited to: (i) a Public Land Mobile Network Identification (PLNM-ID)which is usually a five digit number (e.g. “26201” for T-Mobile™Germany); and/or (ii) a Tracking Area Code (TAC). Additional oralternate components of the CSG Identity may also be utilized subjectto, inter alia, finalization of 3GPP standards for CSG operation.

A CSG Cell may provide its CSG Identity—via the mobile communicationnetwork's previously defined system information broadcast capability—soas to enable appropriate UEs to access the Cell. The “closed” accessallows the delivery of certain multimedia content services (to bedescribed subsequently herein) to a number of recipients via the CSGCell in a controlled manner. Customers will often prefer to consume“rich” content such as the aforementioned multimedia content when theyare being served at their HNB, rather than when they are using moreexpensive traditional cellular network resources. The broadcast of highbandwidth applications using HNBs is advantageous for the Mobile NetworkOperator (MNO), because use of the HNB reduces the load on networkresources for its localized service domain. The “home” user alsobenefits from the greatly improved quality of the radio link betweentheir UE and their HNB. CSG Cell operation ensures that the owner/lesseeof the HNB (and other members within his closed group) will fairlyreceive the appropriate advantages of private femtocell operation.

Exemplary Problem Scenario—

In one exemplary traditional network, a HNB has a private broadbandconnection (e.g., A DSL line, cable modem, etc.) into the Mobile NetworkOperator's (MNO) Core Network (EPC). A typical base station is connectedvia cellular infrastructure to the EPC. The base station andinfrastructure operate within the MNO's domain; however the HNB is onlyindirectly controlled by the network operator. A first UE has the CellID of the HNB stored in its “white” list, and is allowed to use the HNBfreely. A second UE does not have the Cell ID of the HNB stored in itswhite list, and is not allowed access to any services. In one examplescenario, the second UE may request a MBMS multimedia stream from thebase station, which is a duplicate of the multimedia service which theHNB is already providing to the first UE. The second UE is in an overlaparea where it may have good network coverage from both the base stationand the HNB.

The second UE would be a good candidate for receiving the multimediaservice from the HNB, rather than the base station. Furthermore, it isappreciated that the HNB could service the second UE's request withoutrequiring the establishment of a new RRC connection (i.e. between thesecond UE and the HNB). Unfortunately, the second UE is not allowed touse any HNB which is not stored within its internal white list. Thus,the second UE of the present example is blocked from efficient serviceprovisioning (e.g. duplication of existing MBMS service broadcast to thefirst UE).

Additionally, the foregoing scenario presents a secondary complication.The UE may only maintain a single RRC connection at any time. The UE isfree to make or break RRC connections to its serving base station.Unfortunately, the UE cannot make an additional RRC connection to theHNB while simultaneously maintaining an existing RRC connection with thebase station. Consequently, an invention enabled UE must alsosimultaneously enable reception of MBMS services from a second femtocell(or basestation), while maintaining a RRC connection with a basestation.

Lastly, the initialization of MBMS services is typically done by a UEvia an existing RRC connection. Generally, the UE connects to the MBMSservice provider, and requests the service via the current cell or basestation. Two (2) distinct methods of MBMS service initialization aredescribed herein: i) a first CSG UE requests the MBMS service within theCSG cell, the non-CSG UE piggybacks on the CSG UE's request, or ii) thenon-CSG UE requests a MBMS service from its connected base station, andthe service is provided via a CSG cell.

System Architecture—

Referring now to FIG. 1, one exemplary high-level system architecture100 useful in implementing the principles of the present invention andsolving the aforementioned problem scenario is shown and described indetail. The architecture of FIG. 1 comprises in one embodiment of afemtocell (Cell A) 300 having wireless coverage area 114 configured as aCSG Cell. Cell A 300 has a S1_(A) interface (e.g. a DSL line or othersuch interface) into the Core Network 106 (EPC) of the Mobile NetworkOperator (MNO). Cell B 102, having a wireless coverage area 104, is atypical base station (e.g., fixed macrocell) that is connected viaS1_(B) to the EPC. Cell B and S1_(B) are within the MNO's domain. Cell A300 and S1_(A) are indirectly controlled by the network operator, butthey are privately owned and operated.

A first UE₁ 400A of FIG. 1 has the Cell ID of Cell A 300 stored in itswhite list; i.e. the first UE₁ 400A is allowed to use Cell A for allcommunication services offered. A second UE₂ 400B does not have the CellID of Cell A stored in its white list, therefore the second UE₂ 400B isprohibited from accessing Cell A via well known mechanisms. The secondUE₂ 400B has requested Service #1 in Cell B, which is a duplicate of theservice which Cell A is providing to the first UE₁ 400A. The methods andapparatus of the present invention enable the second UE₂ 400B to accessCell A 300.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, Service #1 is used without anyrestrictions. Generally speaking, Service #1 may be either a real-timeservice or a non-real-time service. Services may also be of theunidirectional or bidirectional type. Such services may be used toconvey voice/audio, video still images or video clips/broadcast content,presentations, data files, etc. in sequence or in parallel. For example,MBMS is ideally suited for cells occupied with multiple interestedusers. The MBMS registration procedure may require a RRC connection forinitialization. Furthermore, in some MBMS use cases, the actualmultimedia-data carried via MBMS may be encrypted (e.g. pay-per-viewtelevision, etc.). Accordingly, a RRC connection may be required totransfer information (e.g., encryption keys, synchronization symbols,etc.). In such cases, service delivery requires a RRC connection, eventhough the MBMS transmission itself is connection-less.

Typical forward error correction (FEC) schemes (e.g., turbo codes,Viterbi, Reed-Solomon, etc.) perform “static” or fixed rate encoding.For example, a ⅓ rate Turbo Code generates three transmission bits (e.g.one systematic bit, two parity bits) for each one input bit. Thereceiver decodes a code block having this “fixed” redundancy and, basedon the output of the decoder, determines if the code block wassuccessfully reconstructed. Such schemes are commonly used inconjunction with a reverse link channel for acknowledgements. If thereceiver fails to decode the transmitted code block, a retransmission isrequested via the reverse link.

Conversely, the exemplary MBMS service of one embodiment of the presentinvention utilizes a so-called “fountain code” based forward errorcorrection, which can provide a near infinite number (I) of differentmessage packets for any code block. A relatively small number (N) ofthese arbitrary message packets can be processed to reconstruct theoriginal code block. However, a much larger number (M) of messagepackets are actually transmitted from the transmitter to the populationof receivers. Each receiver receives a number (K) of these arbitrarymessages, which is slightly larger than N, and much smaller than M (i.e.the receiver decodes K messages, where K satisfies the propertiesN<K<M<<I). Each receiver does not necessarily receive the same Kpackets. Accordingly, even though each receiver receives differentpackets, and the population of receivers may be arbitrarily large, thenetwork burden is actually fixed (e.g., only M packets are transmitted).Fountain codes in this sense are “rate-less”; there is no defined ratebetween the receiver and the transmitter.

In greater detail, fountain code enabled transmitters determine acharacteristic matrix for each code block. The transmitter then uses apseudo-random key generator to generate sequential input vectors, whichare multiplied against the characteristic matrix to produce a pluralityM of message packets. These message packets are broadcast to thepopulation of receivers. Each receiver which has a synchronizedpseudo-random key generator can determine the characteristic matrix fromany N of the M message packets using basic linear algebra (K messagepackets are collected to compensate for corrupted symbols). Once areceiver has determined the characteristic matrix, it derives theoriginal code block.

The relatively low amount of information needed by a fountaincode-enabled receiver makes MBMS ideal for “Idle Mode Reception” (i.e.reception during RRC_IDLE state). Any MBMS receiver which has asynchronized pseudo-random key generator can receive the broadcastedMBMS media stream, and enjoy its content. Thus, various gradations ofMBMS key distribution may be enabled by the present invention. In oneexemplary case, a RRC connection is only briefly established tosynchronize the receiver to the transmitter. In another exemplary case,MBMS key distribution is performed on a common access channel (e.g., apilot channel) thus enabling RRC-connection-less MBMS operation. In yetanother embodiment, a transmitter may support one RRC connection for a“master” receiver, while simultaneously broadcasting the key to other“piggybacked” users; thus allowing the one master user to control theMBMS broadcast, while other users passively tune in.

While the unique properties of fountain codes are especially well suitedfor this invention, it is appreciated that neither fountain codes northeir intrinsic properties are required to practice the invention.Indeed, any technology which is capable of simultaneously transmittingto any plurality of users could likewise benefit from the designation ofmultiple broadcast classes. Hence, the invention may also find use withinter alia, “static” decoder technologies. In one such example, a fixedreceiver which has requested a standard service from the network may beredirected to a CSG femtocell having additional capacity. Suchredirection may override the receiver's internal white list, thusenabling “dual” managed access control.

In another such example, a fixed receiver which is piggybacking on anestablished session may simply accept the downlink stream “as is”. Someerror correction schemes that rely on complex receiver transmitterdialogs may require the piggybacking receiver to discard data, and oraccept less robust transmissions. For example, Automatic RepetitionRequest (ARQ) relies on acknowledgments and retransmissions to correctdata transmission. ARQ technologies generally fall within two categoriesi) incremental redundancy, and ii) chase combining. Incrementalredundancy transmits data frames containing different (new) informationthan previous frames. Chase combining retransmits data frames containingthe same information as previous frames. While a piggybacking receivermay not have the ability to acknowledge successful receipt of a dataframe, it can listen in on successive retransmissions when it hasreceived corrupted data. Alternately, the transmitter may alwaystransmit a fixed number of transmissions and or retransmissions, and thepopulation of receivers discards the frames which are extraneous.

FIGS. 5A-9B described subsequently herein illustrates variousimplementation-specific aspects of the present invention in the contextof an exemplary LTE network infrastructure.

Methods—

Referring now to FIG. 2A, one embodiment of the generalized process 200for providing services having various access levels is illustrated anddescribed in detail.

Initially, a femtocell (such as that of FIG. 1 above) is directed toprovide one or more services. Such direction may originate from aserviced user (e.g., from their UE) or their proxy, a nearby basestation (via inter-base station communication), the core network, oreven the femtocell itself. Such services are (in this illustrated case)of the broadcast or multicast type, although this is not a requirement.Furthermore, each service is additionally assigned one or moreassociated “access levels”. Assignment of the access level(s) may bemade by the requestor of the service, the originator or supplier of theservice, or the serving femtocell. As described in greater detail below,this assignment may be static in nature (such as where prescribedservices are given static or substantially unchanging access levels), ordynamic (e.g., such as where the particular user or use context of theservice request is used as a basis of assigning access level).

At step 202, a femtocell provides the one or more services, andindicates the access level(s) associated with each provided service. Inone embodiment, the varying access levels minimally comprise: (i) aprivate access level, and (ii) a partially public access level. In onevariant, the access levels additionally comprise (iii) a (fully) publicaccess level. As used herein, the term “partial public access” referswithout limitation to services which are initiated or maintained by, orassociated with, one or more members of a closed group, but which can bemade available to a larger audience (e.g., the entire subscriber pool oreven the public in general). Moreover, various gradations of partialpublic access may service a select plurality of subscribers (e.g.multicast), or even all network subscribers (e.g. broadcast).

As used herein the term “private access” refers without limitation toservices which are limited to one or a group of subscribers.

As used herein, the term “public access” refers without limitation toservices which are not limited to any particular group of subscribers.Note, however, that in certain embodiments, the services may be limitedto certain sub-populations of the general public (e.g., limited to onlysubscribers of a given network operator, etc.).

In an alternate embodiment, one or more partial public access levels areindicated with a Boolean value for each of the one or more services (seediscussion of FIGS. 8A and 8B subsequently herein for exemplary accesslevel coding).

In one embodiment, access levels are assigned to particular services atinception, and remain static throughout the service. In an alternateembodiment, access levels are dynamically updated to the services by theoriginator of the service (e.g. femtocell, network operator, etc.) basedon one or more criteria, such as where a user's subscription statuschanges, operation restrictions on services are imposed, etc. Thesedynamic updates may be periodic, anecdotal (e.g., based on a particularevent or criterion being met), or even continuous in nature.

At step 204, the femtocell broadcasts or otherwise transmits anindication that the femtocell is at least partially “open” for mobileaccess, on a publicly accessible resource. In one embodiment, thepublicly accessible resource is predetermined, although it may also varywith time and/or other network operating conditions.

In one exemplary variant, the publicly accessible resource encapsulatesa system message during designated periodic time slots (e.g. a MIB typeor SIB type 1 message described in greater detail subsequently hereinwith respect to FIGS. 5A-9B). The system message additionally comprisesan unencoded listing, indicating the presence of at least a subset ofthe plurality of services, and at least one accompanying access level.Additionally, such information may also include a service type, aservice detail, and/or any validity modifiers or qualifiers (e.g., timelimits, preconditions, service limits, etc.).

In one alternative variant, at step 206, the broadcast indication ofstep 204 optionally references a second aperiodic system message, thelatter which is only transmitted during the provision of specificservices (e.g., partial public access, public access, etc.). The secondmessage encapsulates detailed information necessary to demodulate orutilize the specific service. In one exemplary embodiment, the firstmessage is a periodically occurring message during a specified time slot(e.g. a MIB type, or SIB type 1 message), and the second aperiodicmessage (e.g. a SIB type X message described in greater detailsubsequently herein) additionally includes an unencoded listingcomprising one or more of: (i) a service type, (ii) a service detail,and (iii) any validity modifiers (e.g., time limits, etc.). In alternateembodiments, signaling of the aperiodic message is handled withhigher-level protocol or software layers (for example: SessionInitiation Protocol (SIP)). In yet another embodiment, a query-responsetype protocol is used for requesting and transmitting the aperiodicmessage.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, one embodiment of a process 250 for receptionof services having various access levels is illustrated. This process iscomplementary to the process 200 of FIG. 2A.

At step 252 of the process 250, the user equipment (UE) identifies afemtocell. In one exemplary embodiment, the user equipment receives apublicly broadcast resource encapsulating a system message whichuniquely identifies the femtocell from other similar network elements,as previously described. In an alternate embodiment, the user equipmentmay be directed to a nearby femtocell, such as where the networkoperator messages the user equipment through a pre-existing control orother link, having a neighboring partial public service offering.

At step 254, the user equipment determines if it can access theidentified femtocell. In one embodiment, the user equipment references alocalized store of listings of one or more accessible femtocells, eachlisting providing one or more appropriate access levels. This localizedstore may be indigenous to the UE itself; or on another device withwhich the UE communicates. In an alternate embodiment, the userequipment may receive an indication which directly or indirectlyidentifies one or more appropriate access levels at the identifiedfemtocell for that UE.

At step 256, the user equipment receives an indication of at least asubset of the plurality of services offered by the femtocell. In oneembodiment, this indication comprises a system message sent via apublicly accessible predefined resource which identifies the servicesoffered by the femtocell (or relevant portions thereof).

In one variant, user equipment determines a listing of the services, andtheir access levels. Additionally, the user equipment may acquire suchinformation as a service type, a service detail, and/or any validitymodifiers (e.g. time limits, etc.).

In an alternate variant, a “paging” type message is utilized, where onlya flag or other such mechanism indicates the existence of one or moreservices. The UE may opt to further decode information to receive thedesired services, such as e.g., where the UE elect to decode anaperiodic message comprising detailed information regarding theservices. Alternatively, the UE may query the femtocell as to theexistence of one or more services allowed at its access level (i.e., alevel-based search).

At step 258, the user equipment determines if any of the subset ofaccessible services offered by the femtocell is desired. For eachservice which is desired, and accessible, the user equipment performssteps 260 and 262 described below.

At step 260, the user equipment optionally receives any additionalparameters necessary to access the desired services. In one embodiment,such additional parameters may include time, frequency, and/or codedomain indications.

At step 262, the user equipment configures its radio receiver asrequired, and accesses the desired services.

In another embodiment, the UE only transmits its (temporary) identity tothe Core Network (via the HNB), and does not transmit any informationindicating that whether it is in or out of the CSG. Only the CoreNetwork (after looking up the CSG for that user) informs the HNB aboutmembership of the user in the CSG. This approach is particularly usefulwith respect to authentication/authorization in femtocell applications.

Femtocell Apparatus

Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a femtocell apparatus 300configured to implement the functionality previously described above isillustrated and described.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the femtocell apparatus 300 comprises oneor more substrate(s) that further include a plurality of integratedcircuits including a processing subsystem 308 as well as a powermanagement subsystem 311 that provides power to the femtocell 300. Theprocessing subsystem 308 comprises in one embodiment an internal cachememory 308A, and a plurality of processors (or a multi-core processor).As used herein, the term “processor” is meant generally to include alltypes of digital processing devices including, without limitation,digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers(RISC), general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays(e.g., FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable compute fabrics (RCFs), arrayprocessors, secure microprocessors, and application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a singleunitary IC die, or distributed across multiple components.

The processing subsystem 308 is preferably in data communication with anon-volatile memory 309, and a memory subsystem 310. As used herein, theterm “memory” includes any type of integrated circuit or other storagedevice adapted for storing digital data including, without limitation,ROM. PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR/2 SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM,“flash” memory (e.g., NAND/NOR), and PSRAM. The memory subsystem 310 mayimplement one or a more of direct memory access (DMA) 310A typehardware, so as to facilitate rapid data access. The processingsubsystem 308 may also be in data communication with non-volatilememories (e.g. FLASH, HDD, etc.) 309 for code storage.

The exemplary apparatus 300 will, in some embodiments, implement someform of broadband access 320. In the illustrated embodiment, thebroadband access is provided by a DSL connection and modem of the typewell known in the art. Hence, a DSL analog baseband 305, DSL line driver306 and DSL line filter 307 are shown. The digital portion of DSLprocessing may either be performed in the processor 308, oralternatively in a separate DSL processor (not shown). Further, while aDSL broadband connection is illustrated, it is recognized by one ofordinary skill that other broadband access schemes such as DOCSIS cablemodem, T1 line, ISDN, wireless broadband (e.g., WiMAX or broadbandWLAN), etc. could be readily substituted or even used in tandem with theaforementioned DSL interface.

The modem subsystem 330 comprises a digital baseband 304, analogbaseband 303, and RF components for RX 301 and TX 302. While a single RX301 TX 302 is illustrated between the exemplary femtocell apparatus 300and a UE, it is appreciated that multiple RF front ends may exist tosupport multiple simultaneous UEs and air interfaces, or alternativelyimplement MIMO aspects of operation such as for example that describedin co-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/150,485filed Apr. 28, 2008 entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Transmission andReception of Data in Multi-Antenna Systems”, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

In one exemplary implementation, the femtocell apparatus disclosed abovefurther comprises apparatus which are capable of broadcasting one ormore services to one or more subscriber units in either unicast ormulticast formats. Each of the services is additionally assigned atleast one access level. In one embodiment, such access levels minimallycomprise “private” and “partial public”. In one variant, such accesslevels additionally comprise (fully) “public”.

Additionally, the modem subsystem 330 is further adapted to publiclybroadcast on a publicly accessible resource an indication that thefemtocell is at least partially open for mobile unit access. In oneembodiment, the publicly accessible resource is predetermined aspreviously described. In an alternate embodiment, the modem subsystemmay respond to queries of one or more services.

In one exemplary embodiment (illustrated in greater detail herein), anHNB configured according to the present invention and operating withinan LTE network transmits a listing of its currently available partialpublic services encapsulated within a SIB Type 1 or MIB periodictransmission. In an alternate embodiment, the transmission listing thecurrently available partial public services is encapsulated within adata transmission which is not periodic. The transmission mayadditionally include time slot, frequency, and transport formatinformation necessary to correctly demodulate the partial publicservice.

Exemplary UE Apparatus—

Referring now to FIG. 4, exemplary client or UE apparatus 400implementing the methods of the present invention is illustrated. Asused herein, the terms “client device”, “end user device” and “UE” mayinclude, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, smartphones (suchas for example an iPhone™), personal computers (PCs), such as forexample an iMac™, Mac Pro™, Mac Mini™ or MacBook™, and minicomputers,whether desktop, laptop, or otherwise, as well as mobile devices such ashandheld computers, PDAs, video cameras, set-top boxes, personal mediadevices (PMDs), such as for example an iPod™, or any combinations of theforegoing.

The UE apparatus 400 comprises an application processor subsystem 412such as a digital signal processor, microprocessor, RISC processor, orfield-programmable gate array mounted on one or more substrates 418. Theprocessing subsystem may also comprise an internal cache memory. Theprocessing subsystem 412 is connected to a memory subsystem 414comprising operational memory such as SDRAM, SRAM, DRAM. The memorysubsystem may implement one or a more of DMA type hardware 414A, so asto facilitate data accesses as is well known in the art. The processingsubsystem 412 may also communicate with non-volatile memories (e.g.,FLASH, HDD, etc.) for code storage.

The radio/modem subsystem comprises a digital baseband 408, analogbaseband 406, RX frontend 402 and TX frontend 404. While specificarchitecture is discussed, in some embodiments, some components may beobviated or may otherwise be merged with one another (such as RF RX, RFTX and ABB combined, as of the type used for 3G digital RFs) as would beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art given the presentdisclosure.

The illustrated power management subsystem (PMS) 416 provides power tothe UE, and may comprise an integrated circuit and or a plurality ofdiscrete electrical components.

In one exemplary implementation, the UE apparatus disclosed hereinfurther comprises apparatus which is capable of receiving multipleservices in either unicast or multicast formats. The radio modemsubsystem comprising a digital baseband 408, analog baseband 406, RXfrontend 402 and TX frontend 404, is additionally adapted to receive alisting of partial public services being broadcast by a femtocell, andif desired, intercept a partial public transmission for consumption.

In one exemplary embodiment (illustrated in greater detail herein), theUE is capable of demodulating either a SIB Type 1 or MIB periodictransmission, being transmitted from an LTE HNB. In an alternateembodiment, the transmission listing the currently available partialpublic services is encapsulated within a SIB transmission which is notperiodic; this may complicate UE design, as the UE no longer has apredetermined notification of upcoming system updates.

Exemplary Network Implementations—

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-8B, exemplary network architectures and systemprotocols useful with the present invention are shown and described indetail. As previously noted, these architectures and protocols aremerely for purposes of illustration of the various aspects andprinciples of the invention, and the invention is in no way limited tosuch architectures and/or protocols.

FIG. 5A shows an example deployment scenario 500 for Home NodeBs withina UMTS network. Home NodeBs 300A and 300B are operating within a3G-capable Macrocell 506, such as an UMTS Terrestrial Radio AccessNetwork (UTRAN). Home NodeB 300C is operating within a legacy cellularnetwork, such as a GSM Edge Radio Access Network (GERAN) 502.

FIG. 5B is a detailed overview of general 3GPP Network Architecture 550with three different Radio Access Networks (RANs). The GSM EDGE RadioAccess Network 502 (GERAN) is a 2G/2.50 technology. The UMTS TerrestrialRadio Access Network 504 (UTRAN) is a collective term for the NodeBs andRadio Network Controllers (RNCs) which make up the UMTS radio accessnetwork. The UMTS communications network is a 3G network; 3G networkscan carry many traffic types and can span both real-time CircuitSwitched (CS) and IP based Packet Switched (PS) data. The UTRAN containsat least one NodeB (base station) that is connected to at least oneRadio Network Controller (RNC). An RNC provides control functionalityfor one or more NodeBs. A NodeB and RNC may also be the same device;however, typical implementations have a separate RNC located in acentral location serving multiple NodeBs. The RNC together with itscorresponding NodeBs are collectively termed the Radio Network Subsystem(RNS). There may be more than one RNS present per UTRAN.

Enhanced-UTRAN (E-UTRAN) 506 is the 3GPP Radio Access Network for LTE(3.9G) being standardized at the time of this disclosure. The proposedE-UTRA air interface uses Orthogonal Frequency Domain Access (OFDMA) forthe downlink (from the BS to the UE) and Single Carrier FrequencyDivision Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) for the Uplink (UE to BS). The use ofOFDM is more flexible in its use of spectrum than older Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) based systems such as UTRAN. OFDM has a linkspectral efficiency greater than CDMA, and may be combined withmodulation formats such as 64QAM, and techniques such as Multiple InputMultiple Output (MIMO). E-UTRA is expected to be considerably moreefficient than W-CDMA with HSDPA and HSUPA. In practice, the transmitterand receiver of LTE devices are typically realized using IFFT and FFTdigital signal processing.

In E-UTRAN, the eNodeBs control the majority of RNC functionality, andare generally more “intelligent” than legacy NodeBs of a UTRAN system.FIG. 5C shows a detailed view of an exemplary E-UTRAN architecture 575,comprising three eNodeBs 300. In LTE, eNodeBs are interconnected witheach other by means of the X2 interface 512 of the type well known inthe cellular arts. Furthermore, eNodeBs are connected by means of the S1508 interface to the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 510. The S interface (asdefined by 3GPP) supports a many-to-many relation between the EPC andeNodeB. Theoretically, different operators may simultaneously operatethe same eNodeB.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary LTE protocol stack 600. The protocolstack can be divided into two complementary components, the c-plane 602or control plane, and the u-plane 604 or user plane. The c-plane isutilized by the network operator to control and optimize networkoperations. The u-plane is its counterpart portion, residing within theUE software. The c-plane and u-plane are further “horizontally” dividedinto Layer 1 610, Layer 2 620, and Layer 3 630; each successive layer ismodeled roughly on functionality described in the Open SystemsInterconnection (OSI) standard. These layers (610, 620, and 630) aregenerally grouped under Access Stratum (AS). Additionally shown is theNon-Access Stratum (NAS) Layer 640 which does not have an OSIequivalent, but refers to higher-level network functions (including butnot limited to Call Control (CC), Session Management (SM), SupplementaryService (SS), Short Messaging Service (SMS), and Mobility Management(MM)). Core Network services such as authentication and registration arehandled in NAS messaging.

Layer 2 is split into the following sub-layers: Medium Access Control(MAC) 622, Radio Link Control (RLC) 624 and Packet Data ConvergenceProtocol (PDCP) 626. The Service Access Points (SAP) between thephysical layer 612 and the MAC sub-layer provide the transport channels.The SAPs between the MAC sub-layer and the RLC sub-layer provide thelogical channels. The multiplexing of several logical channels (i.e.,radio bearers) on the same transport channel (i.e., transport block) isperformed by the MAC sub-layer in both uplink and downlink.

RRC Protocol Layer—

The Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer 632 of Layer 3 630 ofFIG. 6 is of particular importance to the embodiments of the inventiondescribed below. The main services and functions of the RRC sub-layer asit is used within the exemplary Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service(MBMS) follows; i.e., notification, establishment, configuration,maintenance and release of Radio Bearers used in MBMS are now described.

The RRC sub-layer 632 is used to broadcast System Information in thedownlink channels; the specification governing RRC sub-layer operationsis the 3GPP TS 36.331: “E-UTRA Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol”,v8.2.0 (Release 8) which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. System Information (SI) is embedded within RRC messagescarrying a plurality of System Information-Blocks (SIBs). There may bemore than one System Information RRC message transmitted with the sameschedule (and/or periodicity). Each SIB contains a set of related systeminformation parameters.

Two special versions of System Information (SI) RRC messages (SystemInformation Master (SI-M), and System Information 1 (SI-1)), only carrya single SIB, namely the MIB and the SIB Type 1 respectively. The MasterInformation Block (MIB) includes a limited number of most frequentlytransmitted parameters. SIB Type 1 messages contain the schedulinginformation that indicates when the other System Information (SI) RRCmessages are transmitted (such as their start times).

The SI-M message is mapped on the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH)logical channel and carried on the Broadcast Channel (BCH), which is adownlink transport channel. All other System Information (SI) RRCmessages including SI-1 are mapped on the Broadcast Control Channel(BCCH) logical channel and dynamically carried on the Downlink SharedChannel (DL-SCH) (another downlink transport channel). The SI-M has aperiodicity of 40 ms, whereas SI-1 has a periodicity of 80 ms; both ofwhich are transmitted on a fixed schedule. Reception of either BCH orDL-SCH channels does not require an active RRC connection. In fact, bothchannels are typically used while a UE is operating without a RRCconnection (e.g. RRC_IDLE mode). Each System Information (SI) RRCmessage is transmitted in a periodically occurring (time domain) window,having a defined semi-static starting point and length, The SI-windowsare non-overlapping, and the sizes of all SI-windows are the same. SI-1configures the SI-window length and the transmission periodicity for theother System Information (SI) RRC messages. A SIB cannot be spread overmultiple consecutive SI RRC messages. However, one SI RRC messages maycomprise multiple SIBs (if they have the same periodicity). The mappingof SIBs onto SI RRC messages is flexibly configured, and distributed viaSI-1 messages.

System information (SI) changes can only occur during specific radioframes, which are referred to as modification periods. SI RRC messages(with the same content) may be scheduled for transmission a number oftimes within a modification period. The modification period boundariesare defined by System Frame Number (SFN) having modulo N. The value of Nis set by current system information parameters. The aforementionedspecial SI RRC messages for the MIB and the SIB Type 1 messages havepredefined schedules. Every UE can receive the publicly broadcastcontrol messages, by using the standardized schedule.

The MIB uses a fixed schedule with a periodicity of 40 ms. The firsttransmission of the MIB is scheduled in subframe #0 of radio frames forwhich the System Frame Number (SFN) modulo 4 (four) equals 0 (zero).Each System Frame comprises 10 sub frames. Repeated transmissions of theMIB are scheduled in subframe #0 of all other radio frames.

The SIB Type 1 uses a fixed schedule with a periodicity of 80 ms. Thefirst transmission of SIB Type 1 is scheduled in subframe #5 of radioframes for which the SFN modulo 8 (eight) equals 0 (zero), andrepetitions are scheduled in subframe #5 of all other radio frames forwhich SFN modulo 2 (two) equals 0 (zero).

The scheduling of System Information (SI) RRC messages other than SI-Mand SI-1 is flexible, and dynamic scheduling techniques are commonlyused. The UE may acquire the detailed time domain and/or frequencydomain scheduling as well as other information (such as the transportformat used) of these System Information (SI) RRC messages from thePhysical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). The PDCCH does not indicatewhich System Information (SI) RRC message is scheduled; instead, asingle System Information Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SI-RNTI)is used for all different types of System Information (SI) RRC messages.

When the network changes current System Information parameters (in wholeor in part), it must first notify the UE in the present modificationperiod. The corresponding update to system information is broadcast inthe next modification period. The correct timing for this process isillustrated in FIG. 7. Old system information 702A and 702C is replacedwith new system information 704A and 704C. The frames 706 have a frameperiodicity of modulo 4. The UE, upon receiving a change notification(e.g. 702A), will update itself with the current system informationduring the next corresponding modification period (e.g. 704A) boundary.There is a (short) period during which the UE does not have valid systeminformation (the time between the notification 702 and the update 704).

For UEs in RRC_IDLE state, the PAGING message is used to indicate asystem information change. UEs in RRC_CONNECTED state monitor thePhysical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) periodically. Specifically,the UE monitors for system information updates (Connected Mode SystemInformation Change Notification). Although the ULE is informed aboutchanges to system information, the system information update message isonly an indication, and does not provide additional supplementalinformation (e.g., regarding which System Information (SI) RRC messagehas changed). The change notification mechanism is not used for systeminformation that is only momentarily valid (e.g., no timer expiration).

The SI-1 message includes a value tag that indicates if a change hasoccurred in system information which is not represented in either SI-M(Master Information Block) or SI-1 (System Information Block Type 1).UEs may use this value tag for a wide range of reasons, such as a returnto coverage, or to verify if previously acquired system information isstill valid.

For certain embodiments of the present invention, the periodicity of theMaster Information Block and System Information Block Type 1 isdesirable to simplify receiver design for an LTE system. However, inalternative embodiments, the advantages provided by this simplifiedreceiver design may be offset or outweighed by other factors, or may beentirely unnecessary in other implementations.

Table 1 below provides an overview of differences between SI-M, SI-1,and other SI.

TABLE 1 System Information First RRC Message Content Purpose PeriodicityTransmission Repetitions SI-M One MIB most essential fixed, 40 ms insubframe #0 in subframe physical layer of radio flame #0 of all info ofthe cell for which the other radio required to SFNmod4 = 0 framesreceive further system info SI-1 one SIB Type 1 info relevant to fixed,80 ms in subframe #5 in subframe cell access and of radio frame #5 ofall scheduling of for which the other radio other SIBs SFNmod8 = 0frames for which SFNmod2 = 0 SI multiple SIBs various flexible indynamically scheduled SI (Type 2-8) purposes window; UE acquires detailsdepending on about scheduling from SIB Type decoding SI-RNTI on PDCCH

Table 2 provides the content of the other System Information Block Types2-8.

TABLE 2 Other SIB Types Content 2 Contains common and shared channelinformation. 3 Contains cell re-selection information, mainly related tothe serving cell. 4 Contains information about the serving frequency andintra-frequency neighbouring cells relevant for cell re-selection. Thisincludes cell re- selection parameters common for a frequency as well ascell specific re- selection parameters. 5 Contains information aboutother E-UTRA frequencies and inter- frequency neighbouring cellsrelevant for cell re-selection. This includes cell re-selectionparameters common for a frequency as well as cell specific re-selectionparameters. 6 Contains information about UTRA frequencies and UTRAneighbouring cells relevant for cell re-selection. This includes cellre-selection parameters common for a frequency as well as cell specificre-selection parameters 7 Contains information about GERAN frequenciesrelevant for cell re- selection. This includes cell re-selectionparameters for each frequency. 8 Contains information about CDMA2000frequencies and CDMA2000 neighbouring cells relevant for cellre-selection. This includes cell re- selection parameters common for afrequency as well as cell specific re- selection parameters.

Several exemplary embodiments of RRC message types which are modified toprovide partial public access information are described herein; theseinclude: (i) MIB, (ii) SIB Type 1, and (iii) SIB Type X, although itwill be appreciated that the invention may be practiced throughmodification of other message types (RRC or otherwise) as well.

1. MIB/SIB Type 1—

As previously described, both MIB and SIB Type 1 messages areperiodically transmitted. In one embodiment of the present invention,the SIB Type 1 indicator is used by the UE 400 to evaluate the currentaccess to Cell 300. Similarly, the MIB can be modified to support accessfunctionality.

FIG. 8A illustrates one exemplary SIB Type 1 message 804, as enhancedwith Information Elements (IE) 808 according to one embodiment of theinvention. The IE csg-partially-open is a Boolean encoding used toindicate whether a particular CSG Cell is partially open. Whencsg-partially-open is TRUE (i.e. binary one), the cell is partially openfor public access. When csg-partially-open is FALSE (i.e. binary zero)the cell is not open for public access. The IE csg-open-services-infomay include additional IEs such as: (i) service-type, (ii)service-details, and (iii) validity. IE service-type is optional, andcan be used to inform a UE about which service types (e.g., MBMS) areoffered for non-CSG-member UEs via the CSG Cell. It is encoded as anenumerated value in this example (e.g., MBMS, etc.), although otherencoding schemes may readily be used.

The second IE of the sequence (service-details) is also optional, andmay be used to give a more detailed listing comprising which servicesare offered to a non-CSG-member UE. For example, as shown, one suchencoding scheme may comprise a content related identifier (e.g. sports,news, politics, music, etc.). Other alternate schemes may compriseservice related information (e.g. encryption keys, formatting, codecrequirements, etc.).

The third IE of the sequence (validity) is also optional, and may beused to specify timing restrictions regarding the partial open access ofa CSG Cell (e.g., a validity period to limit the duration of open accessin general or per service). For instance, a validity period couldindicate a start time as well as an end time (or both), and could bespecified either as an absolute value (example: valid until 27 Jun.2008, 18:00 UTC) or a relative value (example: min10, min20, min30,min60, min90, unlimited, etc.). Other implementations will be readilyrecognized by those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.

2. SIB TypeX—

According to another embodiment of the invention, a new SIB Type (TypeX, where X in a designated alphabetical and/or numeric character)carries information elements adapted to enable partial public access toa Cell 300. In one variant, a new System Information Block is definedwhich contains the aforementioned Information Elements (IE) for handlingpartially open access in CSG Cells.

FIG. 8B illustrates one exemplary embodiment of SIB Type X, here named“SIB Type 9” although other names may be obviously used. The exemplarySIB Type 9 of FIG. 8B comprises three IEs 809; i.e., (i) plmn-Identity,(ii) trackingAreaCode, and (iii) cellIdentity, to allow mapping of theinformation contained in this SIB to other cell specific informationreceived in one of the other SIBs, such as SIB Type 1.

Furthermore, SIB Type 9 additionally comprises one or more IEs 810enabling partial public access according to the invention. Similar inusage to SIB Type 1, csg-partially-open is used to indicate whether aparticular CSG Cell is partially open. Also, csg-partially-open isencoded as a Boolean variable, although other schemes may be used. It isfollowed by a sequence of up to three more information elements (IE) 812per service offering. These are all grouped under the IEcsg-open-services-info, and are completely analogous to those previouslydescribed with respect to FIG. 8A above.

Exemplary LTE Network Operation—

Referring back to FIG. 1, an exemplary LTE System 100 provides serviceto UE 400B utilizing broadcasted System Information (SI) according toone embodiment of the invention described herein. In this example, CellA 300, which is configured as a CSG Cell broadcasts its SystemInformation (SI) comprising partial public access. The partial publicaccess information is received, decoded and evaluated by all UEs (e.g.,UE 400A, UE 400B) in its cellular coverage.

FIG. 9A is a high-level RRC messaging ladder diagram 900 illustrative ofone general principle of the invention, wherein a first UE requests amedia service, and a second UE “piggybacks” onto the delivered mediastream. The first UE 400A has the Cell ID of Cell A stored in its whitelist, and the first UE 400A is registered in the network or in the HNB300 as member of the particular CSG Cell A, i.e. the first UE 400A, isallowed to use Cell A for all communication services offered. The secondUE 400B does not have the Cell ID of Cell A stored in its white list andthe second UE 400B is neither registered in the network nor in the HNB300 as member of the particular CSG Cell A. Extant access techniquesprohibit the second UE 400B from directly accessing CSG Cell A.

After establishing appropriate initial RRC connections 901A, 901B, HNB300 provides service to the first UE 400A, and NodeB 112 providesservice to the second UE 400B. As shown, the first UE 400A and second UE400B have initialized their RRC connections at approximately the sametime. It is appreciated that in typical use, connections 901A and 901Bare not linked, and may occur at completely separate and distinct times.In fact, connection 901B may commonly occur after steps 902 and 904.

At time 902, the first UE 400A requests the delivery of a first servicevia a media delivery technique such as for instance MBMS (e.g.,broadcast/multicast) previously described herein. The HNB and the firstUE 400A perform negotiation and service initiation. It is furtherappreciated that negotiation and service initiation may include the HNB,the first UE 400A and one or more core network entities involvingmulticast or broadcast service centers or entities providingsubscription data of the particular user of the first UE 400 A or thefirst UE 400 A capability data. Alternatively, the HNB 300 may bebroadcasting free-running programming which the first UE 400A freelyconsumes.

At time 904, the HNB 300 broadcasts an indication of partial publicservice. In one embodiment, this broadcast is performed utilizing theaforementioned SIB Type 1 message, at a fixed transmission time.Alternatively, SIB broadcasts for SIB Type X (described above) may bescheduled periodically. The first UE 400A identifies one or more systemparameters necessary for reception of requested services. At step 906,the first UE 400A processes the requested services provided by the HNB300, based on decoded SIB type messages received in step 904.

The RRC system information broadcast at step 904 is received by all UEswithin the service area of the HNB. The second UE 400B receives anindication of at least a subset of the plurality of services offered byHNB on the publicly broadcast SIB. The second UE 400B determines if theaccessible services offered by the HNB are desired at step 907.

If the second UE 400B desires the broadcast content, then it executesstep 906 and configures its radio receiver to consume the desiredservices. The first UE 400A and second UE 400B may simultaneouslyconsume the desired media services without undue additional burden onthe network infrastructure or the HNB.

Furthermore, it is appreciated that the second UE 400B may keep any RRCconnections to the (macro) base station 102 (if present), while it isconsuming the desired media services from the HNB.

FIG. 9B is a high-level RRC messaging ladder diagram 950 illustrative ofanother general principle of the invention, wherein the Network Operatorassumes control of an HNB to provision delivery of media services to oneor more UE(s). Similar to the ladder diagram 900 of FIG. 9A, the firstUE 400A has the Cell ID of Cell A stored in its white list; i.e., thefirst UE 400A, is allowed to use Cell A for all communication servicesoffered. The second UE 400B does not have the Cell ID of Cell A storedin its white list, and therefore is prohibited from directly accessingCell A. After establishing appropriate RRC connections, the HNB 300provides service to the first UE 400A, and the NodeB 112 providesservice to the second UE 400B.

At time 952, the second UE 400B requests the delivery of a first servicevia a transport technique (such as MBMS broadcast, a multicast, or evena unicast) from the base station 102. The request second UE 400Bmaintains an active RRC connection with the base station 102. The basestation 102 determines that it is not available to service the secondUE's 400B service request. Through neighbor cell measurement operationsthe base station 102 ascertains that second UE 400B is located in thecoverage area of HNB 300. Alternatively, a higher layer network entitymay determine that it is advantageous for the HNB to provide therequested services.

At a second time 954, the base station negotiates with the HNB 300 toprovision the requested services. Alternatively, this may be performedby the aforementioned network entity. In some instances, negotiation maybe omitted if HNB 300 already provides the requested service in Cell A,e.g. to the first UE 400A.

At a subsequent time 956, the base station 102 receives confirmationthat another entity will provide the requested service to the second UE400B (e.g., from the HNB 300, or from the higher layer network entity,or from both). The NodeB may optionally notify the second UE 400B of theexistence of the provisioned service.

At a subsequent time 904, the HNB 300 broadcasts an indication ofpartial public service. In one embodiment, this broadcast is performedutilizing the aforementioned SIB Type 1 message, at fixed transmissiontime. Alternatively, SIB broadcasts for SIB Type X may be scheduledperiodically. At this time 904, the second UE 400B receives anindication of at least a subset of the plurality of services offered byHNB, on the publicly broadcast SIB. Furthermore, it should be noted,that even though the first UE 400A has not explicitly requested themedia service, it still receives the SIB broadcasts. Thus, at step 907,the first UE 400A may optionally consider receiving the media service aswell.

At a later time 906, the second UE 400B configures its radio receiverand consumes the desired services. If the first UE 400A desires thebroadcast content, then the first UE 400A configures its radio receiverto consume the desired services. Advantageously, both the first UE 400Aand second UE 400B may simultaneously consume the desired media serviceswithout undue additional burden on the network infrastructure or theHNB.

The consumption of the desired service from HNB 300 does not require thesecond UE 400B to establish an RRC connection to the HNB 300.Accordingly, the second UE 400 B may maintain a RRC connection to NodeB102 (i.e. RRC_CONNECTED) for telephony services, or camp on NodeB 102(i.e. RRC_IDLE).

Business Methods and Rules—

It will be recognized that the foregoing network apparatus andmethodologies may be readily adapted to various business models. Forexample, in one such model, a service provider/network operator maysell, lease, or freely provide (i.e., at no cost, as an incentive) anenhanced-capability femtocell such as that described previously hereinto its customers. This helps advance the network operator's goals ofgreater customer satisfaction and enhanced network operation, aspreviously described herein.

In another business paradigm, certain strategic users could be selectedto receive such enhanced-capability femtocells based on, inter alia,their subscription level, rate of usage, geographic location, etc., evenin exchange for consideration from the network operator (e.g., a rebateor reduction of their monthly service fees if they operate the femtocellin accordance with the network provider policies).

The aforementioned network apparatus and methodologies may also bereadily adapted for operation in accordance with an underlying businessrules algorithm or “engine”. This business rules engine may comprise forexample a software application (and/or firmware or even hardwareaspects), and is implemented in one embodiment as a separate entity atthe Core Network, or alternatively within an existing entity residing atthe Core Network or other network management process (NMP). As usedherein, the term “application” refers generally to a computer program orunit of executable software that implements a certain functionality ortheme. The term “computer program” or “software” is meant to include anysequence or human or machine cognizable steps which perform a function.Such program may be rendered in virtually any programming language orenvironment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL, PASCAL,assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML, VoXML), andthe like, as well as object-oriented environments such as the CommonObject Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (including J2ME, JavaBeans, etc.), Binary Runtime Environment (BREW), and the like.

The rules engine is in effect a high-layer supervisory process whichaids the network operator (or other interested party) in makingoperational decisions or resource allocations based on importantcriteria such as financial aspects, user experience enhancement, etc.

In one embodiment, the business rules engine is configured to take intoaccount the revenue and/or profit implications associated with providingresources to one or more user-operated femtocells, so that the resourceallocation to the femtocell does not negatively impact: (i)profitability or other goals (e.g., “user experience”) on the broaderwireless network, or (ii) the services that are able to be provided tousers on the network via the geographically fixed base stations(macrocells). Accordingly, the exemplary business rules engine canmodify the behavior of the system at specific steps of the methodologiesdescribed above in order to accomplish one or more economic oroperational objectives for the network operator.

For instance, in one example, evaluation of the request from a femtocellfor resources (e.g., frequency spectrum) may include an analysis of theincremental cost, revenue, and/or profit associated with the variousallocation options (i.e., allocation to the requesting femtocell, ordenial of the request and allocation to another femtocell, or a staticbase station).

These “business rules” may be imposed e.g., at time of resource request,and then maintained for a period of time (or until an event triggering are-evaluation occurs), or alternatively according to a periodic model.In another variant, the party who owns the resources is tasked withmaking business-related decisions; i.e., the network operator makesdecisions impacting the business relationship between the femtocell(owner) and the core network.

As yet another alternative, the femtocell may be equipped with logic(e.g., a business rules engine or component thereof, such as a clientportion of a distributed application) that is configured to analyze andmake business or operational decisions relating to the business modelbetween the client device (e.g., UE) and the femtocell. For instance,the femtocell may preferentially process or allocate resources tocertain requesting users based on their status (e.g., as existingsubscribers of the service provider associated with the core network,the type of service requested and revenue/profit implications associatedtherewith, etc.)

In another example, the HNB operator may desire to publicly offer asubset of services and capabilities (e.g. broadcasting advertisements,basic commercial service offerings, etc.), but also maintain separatehigher-priority services for private or CSG-only usage. Such servicesmay or may not require RRC-connection assignments. Broadcastadvertisements for specific location-based services (e.g. current mealspecials at a local restaurant, etc.) are an example of a possible RRCconnection-less use-case. Multicast data services, and automatedservices (e.g., automated museum guide/docent services provided to asmart phone, such as an iPhone™) are examples of possible limited RRCconnection based use cases. In the aforementioned examples, it is notedthat the current prior art “white list” methodology is insufficient, ascurrent CSG Cell access protocols only provide for allowing, orrejecting cellular access.

Myriad other schemes for implementing dynamic allocation of resourceswill be recognized by those of ordinary skill given the presentdisclosure.

It will be appreciated that while certain aspects of the invention aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of theinvention, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance oftwo or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the invention disclosed and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Theforegoing description is of the best mode presently contemplated ofcarrying out the invention. This description is in no way meant to belimiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the generalprinciples of the invention. The scope of the invention should bedetermined with reference to the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: at a user terminal that isconnected to a public cellular network via a dedicated connection to abase station; receiving an indication of a plurality of services offeredby a femtocell of a private network, wherein; the private networkcomprises a group of user terminals approved for access to thefemtocell; and the user terminal is not a member of the private network;and receiving, from the femtocell, at least one service from theplurality of services offered by the femtocell, wherein the dedicatedconnection between the user terminal and the base station is maintainedand a connection to the femtocell is not established during thereceiving of the at least one service from the femtocell and wherein thereceiving the at least one service improves at least one aspect ofservice quality for the user terminal over that when the services areprovided by the base station.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the atleast one aspect of service quality comprises cellular device batteryduration.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one aspect ofservice quality comprises wireless link quality.
 4. The method of claim1, the femtocell comprises a Home evolved Node B (HeNB).
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the user terminal receives the selected servicessimultaneously with a further user terminal.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the further user terminal is part of a private group approvedfor access to the femtocell.
 7. A user terminal comprising: atransceiver configured to establish a dedicated connection to a basestation; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein theprocessor is configured to: receive an indication of a plurality ofservices offered by a femtocell of a private network, wherein; theprivate network comprises a group of user terminals approved for accessto the femtocell; and the user terminal is not a member of the privatenetwork; and receive, from the femtocell, at least one service from theplurality of services offered by the femtocell, wherein the dedicatedconnection between the user terminal and the base station is maintainedand a connection to the femtocell is not established during thereceiving of the at least one service from the femtocell and wherein thereceiving the at least one service improves at least one aspect ofservice quality for the user terminal over that when the services areprovided by the base station.
 8. The user terminal of claim 7, whereinthe at least one aspect of service quality comprises cellular devicebattery duration.
 9. The user terminal of claim 7, wherein the at leastone aspect of service quality comprises wireless link quality.
 10. Theuser terminal of claim 7, wherein the femtocell comprises a Home evolvedNode B (HeNB).
 11. The user terminal of claim 7, further comprising:receiving the selective services simultaneously with a further userterminal without placing undue additional burden on the femtocell. 12.The user terminal of claim 11, wherein the further user terminal is partof the private group approved for access to the femtocell.
 13. Anintegrated circuit included in a user terminal that has established adedicated connection with a base station, comprising: circuitry todetermine a plurality of services offered by a femtocell of a privatenetwork, wherein, the private network comprises a group of userterminals approved for access to the femtocell and the user terminal isnot a member of the private network; and circuitry to receive, from thefemtocell, at least one service from the plurality of services offeredby the femtocell, wherein the dedicated connection between the userterminal and the base station is maintained and a connection to thefemtocell is not established during the receiving of the at least oneservice from the femtocell and wherein the receiving the selectedservices improves at least one aspect of service quality for the userterminal over that when the services are provided by the base station.14. The user terminal of claim 13, wherein the at least one aspect ofservice quality comprises cellular device battery duration.
 15. The userterminal of claim 13, wherein the at least one aspect of service qualitycomprises wireless link quality.
 16. The user terminal of claim 13,wherein the femtocell comprises a Home evolved Node B (HeNB).
 17. Theuser terminal of claim 13, further comprising: receiving the selectiveservices simultaneously with a further user terminal without placingundue additional burden on the femtocell.